Written By - Isumdi Laknara & Madhushan Subramaniyam

The Rotaract Club of APIIT proudly joined the nationwide CleanSL initiative by organising a beach cleanup at Mount Lavinia and Dehiwala beaches, bringing together more than 35 dedicated volunteers who shared a common goal of protecting Sri Lanka’s coastal environment. The project reflected the club’s continued commitment to environmental conservation while encouraging young people to take an active role in community service.

Throughout the cleanup, volunteers worked together with great enthusiasm to remove litter scattered along the shoreline. A considerable amount of waste was collected, including plastic bottles, aluminium cans, food wrappers, rigifoam (polystyrene), glass bottles, and other non-biodegradable materials that pose serious threats to marine life and coastal ecosystems. By clearing these waste items, the team helped restore the beauty of the beaches while contributing to the reduction of pollution entering the ocean.

As part of the initiative, recyclable materials were carefully separated from general waste to support proper waste management and recycling efforts. This not only reduced the amount of waste sent to landfills but also highlighted the importance of responsible disposal practices. The cleanup also created opportunities to engage with members of the public, encouraging them to keep beaches clean, minimise plastic usage, and adopt more environmentally friendly habits in their daily lives.

Beyond collecting waste, the project served as a reminder that protecting the environment requires consistent effort and collective responsibility. Every volunteer played an important role in making the initiative a success, demonstrating outstanding teamwork, dedication, and a genuine passion for creating positive change.

The successful completion of the CleanSL Beach Cleanup once again showcased the Rotaract Club of APIIT’s commitment to serving both the community and the environment. Through initiatives like these, the club continues to inspire environmental responsibility, promote sustainable practices, and encourage more individuals to become active participants in building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Sri Lanka for future generations.